Osteoarthritis, which results from the loss of cartilage lining the joints, causes the ends of the bones to rub together. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, occurs as the result of the immune system targeting the joint fluid, or synovium, as "foreign" and attacking it with antibodies. In either case, the end result is inflammation, pain, stiffness and loss of motion of the joints. Many prescription medications are available to treat arthritis, but some herbal remedies may be of benefit as well. Discuss herbal treatment options with your physician.
Willow Bark
Bark from several species of willow tree, including the white willow Salix alba and the purple willow Salix purpurea, can be used medicinally. Herbal preparations using willow bark have been used in treating inflammation and pain as far back as 500 B.C. Willow bark contains salicin, whose medicinal effects are similar to those of aspirin but with less of aspirin's harmful side effects, such as stomach ulcers and bleeding. Like aspirin, salicin blocks production of prostaglandins, key components in the inflammation process. You should only take willow bark under your doctor's supervision.
Boswellia
Boswellia is made from the purified resin gum of Boswellia serrata and Boswellia carteri trees that grow in India and parts of the Middle East. It is familiarly known as frankincense. Boswellia has a long history of use in the treatment of arthritis due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. One scientific study reported in the medical journal "Arthritis Research and Therapy" that an extract of Boswellia serrata was effective in decreasing pain and increasing joint function in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Boswellia can be taken orally or applied topically in a cream.
Cat's Claw
Cat's claw, or as it is known scientifically, Uncaria tomentosa, is a woody vine found growing upward of 100 feet high in the Amazon rain forests. This herb is related to the coffee plant, and the plant's hook-like thorns give it its common name. Cat's claw's bark and roots contain sterols, substances related to steroid substances. "Prescription for Herbal Healing" states it has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is able to reduce swelling associated with arthritis by as much as 50 percent. Do not take cat's claw if you are pregnant or taking blood-thinner medication. Talk to your doctor before using herbal remedies to treat any medical condition.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn, a member of the rose family, is a thorny deciduous tree that can grow to a height of 25 feet. Its leaves, red berries and small white flowers are all used in a variety of herbal remedies. Hawthorn leaves contain substances that help dilate blood vessels, and it is most often used to treat heart problems. However, hawthorn berries contain compounds that act to stabilize the collagen joint cartilage and protect it from damage, so it also provides some benefit in the treatment of arthritis. You should not take hawthorn if you are pregnant.
References
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Rheumatoid Arthritis; Steven D. Erlich; 2009
- AltMD: White Willow
- AltMD: Boswellia
- "Arthritis Research and Therapy"; A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of 5-Loxin for Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee"; K. Sengupta et al.; July 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Cat's Claw; Steven D. Erlich; 2008
